WALSALL'S RECENT FA CUP THIRD ROUND TIES

Ahead of our FA Cup clash with Brentford this weekend, we take a look back at the Saddlers' most recent third round ties...

2007/08 SEASON

5th January 2008 – Walsall 0-0 Millwall
Walsall last reached the FA Cup third round in 2008, when we faced Millwall. The initial tie at the Banks’s finished goalless, with the Lions defending stoutly to thwart the injury-hit Saddlers. Millwall’s best chance came on ten minutes, when Jay Simpson’s blistering drive was tipped over by home stopper Clayton Ince. Walsall dominated thereafter, with Troy Deeney dragging narrowly wide late on after good work from Rhys Weston.

15th January 2008 – Millwall 2-1 Walsall – Replay
The Saddlers were knocked out of the FA Cup after suffering their first defeat in 19 competitive matches. Ben May fired the Lions in front on 15 minutes and Gary Alexander’s cool finish extended their advantage. A volley from Alex Nicholls reduced the arrears but Millwall held on to reach round four.

2005/06 SEASON

7th January 2006 – Barnsley 1-1 Walsall
Paul Hayes scored his tenth goal of the season to earn Barnsley a replay. Walsall appeared on course for victory when Kevin James drilled a right-footed shot past Tykes keeper Nick Colgan on 73 minutes. But Barnsley equalised moments later, Hayes calmly slotting home Tommy Devaney’s cross. The Saddlers almost stole victory at the death but Colgan kept out James’ far-post header.

17th January 2006 – Walsall 2-0 Barnsley - Replay
Second-half goals from Michael Leary and Kevin James booked the Saddlers’ place in the FA Cup fourth round. Leary rounded Barnsley keeper Nick Colgan to open the scoring midway through the second half. And Walsall sealed victory when Nottingham Forest loanee James headed in Mark Wright’s accurate cross to make it 2-0 with 12 minutes remaining.

2002/03 SEASON

4th January 2003 – Walsall 0-0 Reading
Walsall had to settle for a replay after being held to a goalless draw against Reading. Both sides were denied by the woodwork; for Walsall, Darren Wrack’s injury-time free-kick rattled the post, while Reading’s Martin Butler struck an upright with a powerful drive. Jamie Cureton and Nicky Forster also went close for Alan Pardew’s Royals.

14th January 2003 – Reading 1-1 Walsall (1-4 on pens)
Darren Bazeley scored the decisive spot-kick as Walsall edged past Reading on penalties to reach round four. The Saddlers took a sixth-minute lead when Darren Wrack converted Bazeley’s right-wing cross, but a Zigor Aranalde own goal drew Reading level on the half-hour mark. After 120 minutes finished level, Walsall won 4-1 on penalties to book a fourth-round clash with Wimbledon.

2001/02 SEASON

8th January 2002 – Walsall 2-0 Bradford
Second-half goals from Tom Bennett and Brett Angell earned Walsall a comfortable victory over Bradford. Bennett broke the deadlock two minutes after the interval with a delightful chip into the top corner. Angell’s diving header made it 2-0 nine minutes later and condemned Bantams boss Nicky Law to defeat in his first match in charge. Walsall’s reward was a fourth-round trip to Charlton.

2000/01 SEASON

6th January 2001 – Walsall 2-3 West Ham
Frederic Kanoute netted twice as Harry Redknapp’s West Ham edged a pulsating cup tie. A strong Hammers side, featuring the likes of Stuart Pearce, Joe Cole and Michael Carrick, went ahead through Frank Lampard’s sixth-minute opener. Darren Wrack equalised for Walsall, but Kanoute’s second-half brace put the Premier League side in control. Brett Angell replied for the Second Division Saddlers late on, but we were unable to force a replay.